Hekayats
Hekayat, a distinctive genre of Persian literature, typically consists of a concise narrative or a nugget of wisdom, often embellished with poetic verses. These short tales, rich in symbolism and moral lessons, have played a significant role in shaping Persian culture and storytelling traditions.
Hekayat 19 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
Two types of people are enemies of the kingdom and religion: a king without forbearance and a devout man without knowledge.
May such a king not rule over the land,
Who is not an obedient servant of God.
Hekayat 18 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
Excessive anger leads to fear, and untimely kindness removes awe. Do not be so harsh that people grow weary of you, nor so lenient that they become bold towards you.
Harshness and gentleness together are best,
Like a physician who both cuts and heals.
A wise person does not take …
Hekayat 17 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
It is a mistake to accept advice from an enemy, but listening is permissible so that you can act contrary to it, which is the right course.
Beware of what the enemy says and do the opposite,
Lest you regret it and strike your knee in regret.
If they show …
Hekayat 16 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
Whoever eliminates an evil saves people from its calamity and that person from the torment of God Almighty.
Forgiveness is praiseworthy, but do not
apply a remedy to the wound of a tormentor.
He who shows mercy to a snake does not realize
that it is an injustice to the …
Hekayat 15 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
Do not show mercy to a helpless enemy, for if they gain power, they will not forgive you.
When you see an enemy weak, do not boast of your strength,
For there is wisdom in every bone and courage in every man.
Hekayat 14 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
When you are hesitant in executing a task, choose the option that causes the least harm.
Do not speak harshly to those with a gentle disposition,
And do not seek conflict with those who strive for peace.
As long as a matter can be resolved with gold, it is not …
Hekayat 13 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
Whoever makes peace with enemies, has a mind to harm friends.
O wise one, wash your hands of that friend,
Who sits in the company of your enemies.
Hekayat 12 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
Speak between two enemies in such a way that if they become friends, you will not be ashamed.
Between two people, a quarrel is like a fire;
An unfortunate tattler is like a firewood carrier.
They make up, and delight their hearts once again,
While the tattler remains blind in …
Hekayat 11 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
A weak enemy who surrenders and pretends to be a friend does so with the intent of becoming a stronger enemy. It has been said that even the loyalty of friends cannot always be trusted, so how much less should one rely on the flattery of foes? Whoever underestimates a …
Hekayat 10 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
Do not share every secret you hold with a friend, for who knows if they may one day become an enemy. Similarly, do not harm your enemy unnecessarily, for they might one day become a friend.
A secret you wish to keep should not be shared with anyone, even a …
Hekayat 9 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
One cannot rely on the friendship of kings,
Nor on the sweet songs of children,
For the first changes with a whim,
And the second shifts like a fleeting dream.
Do not give your heart to a lover of a thousand friends,
For if you do, that heart will soon …